Disposing of Radioactive Materials/Radioactive Contaminated Waste

It is essential that all radioactive materials or waste contaminated with radioactive materials be disposed of properly. The Office of Radiation Safety supplies containers for all types of radioactive waste. This waste should be disposed of in appropriate containers as follows:

Liquids - segregated from solids, aqueous and organic in separate containers, and short- (<90 days) and long (>90 days) half-life separately.

Solids - separated according to short- and long-half life. No liquids, lead, or other hazardous materials should be disposed of with solid waste.

Sharps - separated according to short- and long-half life.

Biohazard -animal carcasses should be frozen until pick-up and separated from other solid waste. Biohazard waste should also be sorted by half-life.

Scintillation Cocktail - separated from other liquid wastes. Vials should be placed in trays supplied the Office.

Patient Waste - Patients who have had nuclear medicine studies should have items contaminated with bodily fluids collected and disposed of as radioactive waste for the first 24 hours following the study. White radioactive material containers are available in the biohazard rooms in the medical center.

Any questions about radioactive waste disposal should be directed to the Office of Radiation Safety.